2026 Tanzania National Parks Ticket Prices & Entry Rules — Safari Cost Guide
Traveling to Tanzania’s protected areas involves a multi-tiered fee structure. This guide consolidates entry prices, overnight concession fees, and activity charges to help you calculate your total daily budget.
1. Daily Conservation (Entry) Fees
These fees are per person, per 24-hour period. Prices are in USD and include 18% VAT.
| Park Category | Adult (16+) | Child (5-15) |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Parks (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) | $82.60 | $23.60 |
| Select Parks (Nyerere/Selous*, Tarangire, Manyara, Arusha) | $59.00 | $17.70 |
| All Other Parks (Mikumi, Ruaha, Mkomazi, etc.) | $35.40 | $11.80 |
*Note: Most of the former Selous Game Reserve is now Nyerere National Park. The photographic safari areas follow the "Select Parks" fee structure.
2. Mount Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) Costs
Climbing Kilimanjaro involves specific mandatory fees that differ from standard safari parks. These are calculated per person, per day.
| Fee Type | Adult (16+) | Child (5-15) |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation Fee (Per day) | $82.60 | $23.60 |
| Camping Fee (Per night) | $59.00 | $11.80 |
| Hut Fee (Marangu Route only, per night) | $70.80 | $23.60 |
| Rescue Fee (Per trip/climber) | $23.60 | $23.60 |
| Guide/Porter Entry Fee (Per trip) | TZS 5,000 | N/A |
Total Estimate: For a standard 7-day Machame (camping) route, an adult will pay approximately $1,014.80 in park fees alone, excluding equipment and tips for the mountain crew.
3. Overnight Fees (Concession & Camping)
If staying inside the park boundaries for a safari (outside of Kilimanjaro), you must pay these fees per night.
A. Concession Fees (For Lodges/Luxury Camps)
Serengeti & Ngorongoro: $59.00 (Adult) / $11.80 (Child)
Nyerere (Selous), Tarangire & Manyara: $47.20 (Adult) / $11.80 (Child)
Other Parks: $29.50 - $41.30
B. Camping Fees (For Public Safari Campsites)
Standard Public Campsite: $35.40 (Adult) / $5.90 (Child)
Special/Private Campsite: $59.00 (Adult) / $11.80 (Child)
4. Mandatory Vehicle & Activity Fees
Vehicle Entry Fees (Per Day)
Foreign Plate (up to 2000kg): $40.00
Foreign Plate (2001kg - 5000kg): $150.00 (Standard Safari Cruiser)
Special Activity Fees
Ngorongoro Crater Service Fee: $295.00 per vehicle, per descent.
Walking Safaris: $23.60 per person + $23.60 for the armed Ranger.
Boat Safaris (Nyerere/Selous): $23.60 - $40.00.
5. Southern & Western National Parks (TANAPA)
Standard daily entry fees for Non-Resident Adults (Valid for 24 hours, Single Entry).
| Park | Adult Fee (USD) | Key Attraction/Note |
|---|---|---|
| Udzungwa Mountains | $30 | Primates & hiking; guide fee (~$20) is mandatory. |
| Kitulo | $30 | "The Garden of God"; primarily for floral viewing. |
| Katavi | $30 | Remote wilderness; high seasonal concentrate of hippos. |
| Mahale Mountains | $80 | Chimpanzee trekking. Boat transport is an extra cost. |
| Gombe Stream | $100 | Chimpanzee trekking. Highest fee due to conservation status. |
| Saadani | $30 | Only park in East Africa bordering the Indian Ocean. |
| Rubondo Island | $30 | Chimpanzees and sitatunga; requires boat transfer. |
| Burigi-Chato | $30 | Newest park cluster; giant eland and wetlands. |
| Ibanda-Kyerwa | $30 | Kagera River ecosystem. |
| Rumanyika-Karagwe | $30 | Specialized birding and acacia savannah. |
| Kigosi | $30 | Massive wetland ecosystem; limited infrastructure. |
| Ugalla River | $30 | Known for honey badgers and riverine wildlife. |
6. Game Reserves (TAWA)
Fees for Game Reserves often differ if you are doing a "Photographic Safari" versus staying in a lodge within the reserve.
- Maswa, Grumeti, and Ikorongo: serve as buffer zones for the Serengeti. Entry typically costs $30-$50 USD per person per day.
- Pande Game Reserve: Primarily for research/short visits near Dar; fees are lower (~$10 - $20 USD).
- Lukwika-Lumesule & Liparamba: Extremely remote. Entry is generally $20-$30 USD, but logistics often require specialized permits from TAWA regional offices.
7. Private Reserves & WMAs
These areas often charge a "Wildlife Management Area" (WMA) fee in addition to lodge-specific fees.
- Singita Grumeti & Mwiba: ultra-exclusive. While "entry" is often included in the lodges' high nightly rates, the Conservation Room Charge can range from $50 to $150 USD per person per night to support local anti-poaching units.
- Burunge, Randilen, and Enduimet WMAs: These community-owned lands usually charge a daily conservation fee of $15- $25 USD.
- Manyara Ranch Conservancy: Entry is approximately $35 USD per person for day visitors.
8. Marine Parks & Reserves
Managed by the Marine Parks and Reserves Unit (MPRU).
- Mafia Island Marine Park: $20 USD plus VAT per day.
- Mnazi Bay-Ruvuma Estuary: $10 - $20 USD per day.
- Dar es Salaam Marine Reserves (Bongoyo/Mbudya): * Entry fee: $10 - $15 USD.
- Return Boat Transfer: $15-$25 USD (varies by operator).
- Tanga Coelacanth: $15 USD por día.
9. Nature Forest Reserves
Managed by Tanzania Forest Services (TFS).
- Magamba, Minziro, Chome: Entry fees are significantly lower than those in National Parks, typically ranging from $5 to $15 USD for non-residents.
- Mandatory Guides: Most forest reserves require a local guide, which costs between $10 and $20 USD per group.
10. Payment Protocols
Tanzania's parks operate on a strictly cashless system.
Control Number: All payments require a government "Control Number" generated by the park authority.
Cards Only: Self-drivers must pay via Visa or Mastercard at the gate. Cash is not accepted.
Identification: Passports are required for all entry points to verify age and residency.
Disclaimer: Fees are subject to change by government notice. Always verify with your safari provider before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I pay for national park fees in Tanzania?
As of 2026, cash is not accepted at park gates. All payments must be made using a GePG (Government Electronic Payment Gateway) Control Number. You can obtain this through a registered tour operator or the official TANAPA/TAWA portals. Once you have a control number, you can pay via credit card (Visa/Mastercard) or through local mobile money services like M-Pesa.
Are park fees in Tanzania per person or per vehicle?
Most park fees are paid per person for every 24 hours. There's also a fee per vehicle, based on its size and whether it is from Tanzania or another country. At Ngorongoro Crater, you also pay a "Crater Service Fee" for each vehicle each time you enter.
Do I need to pay 18% VAT on top of the listed park prices?
Yes. Many people think the listed prices are the total, but there is an extra 18% tax (VAT) on park fees in Tanzania. When planning your safari costs, check whether prices already include VAT or if it is added later.
Can I visit Tanzania's National Parks without a guide?
A few parks, like Arusha National Park or Mikumi, let you drive yourself. Still, hiring a guide is a good idea. Some areas, like Ngorongoro Crater or guided walks in the Serengeti, require a guide or ranger by law for your safety and to protect the environment.
What happens if I stay longer than 24 hours?
Your park ticket is valid for 24 hours from the time you enter. If you stay longer, even by a little, you must pay for another full day. Plan to leave on time so you do not have to pay double.
Is the Ngorongoro Crater fee different from the Serengeti fee?
Yes. Ngorongoro is run by a different group from the other parks. You must pay fees for each area. If you drive from Serengeti through Ngorongoro to Arusha, you need a special transit ticket even if you do not go on a safari in the crater.
Are concession fees required when staying inside national parks?
Yes. If you stay at a lodge or camp within a national park, you must pay an additional concession or camping fee, charged per person per night, in addition to the daily park entry fee.
Are there additional fees for activities like walking safaris or night game drives?
Yes. Certain activities, such as walking safaris, night game drives, balloon safaris, and photography permits, incur additional activity fees that vary by park.
Do children pay national park entry fees in Tanzania?
Yes, but children usually pay reduced rates compared to adults. Fees vary by age group and park authority.
Are park fees included in Tanzania safari package prices?
In most cases, park, vehicle, and concession fees are included in the total price of a Tanzania safari package. Travelers should always confirm what is included with their tour operator.
Which Tanzania national parks have the highest entry fees?
Parks such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Kilimanjaro National Park typically have the highest entry fees due to their popularity and conservation costs.